Tag Archives: A321XLR

881 On-Condition Maintenance for GA

Guest

Mike Busch is the founder and CEO of Savvy Aviation, which provides aircraft owners, operators, and maintenance professionals with expert guidance grounded in data-driven, reliability-centered maintenance principles. Through maintenance management, education, and advocacy, Savvy helps the General Aviation community improve safety, reliability, and cost control.

Head shot of Savvy Aviation founder and CEO Mike Busch. — Mike Busch, Savvy Aviation founder and CEO.

Mike argues that general aviation aircraft are often over-maintained, wasting both owners’ time and money while straining already limited mechanic capacity. He believes the industry should shift its focus toward on-condition, or reliability-centered, maintenance. Mechanics, he says, need to be trained to think critically—not just follow the manufacturer’s book. By applying reliability-centered maintenance and working on-condition, our existing mechanics could be more efficient. Mike also outlines what a healthy, collaborative relationship between owners and mechanics should look like.

SavvyAviation has introduced the free, FAA-accepted SavvyCertified training course designed for mechanics studying for Inspection Authorization renewal. Mike reports that many aircraft owners signed up for the course and find it valuable. He also has a new podcast called Aviation Masters.

Mike is a well-known aviation writer, teacher, aviation type club tech rep, aircraft-owner advocate, and entrepreneur. He assists aircraft owners with their maintenance problems through his lectures, articles, and books. Mike is a National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year and has previously appeared in Episode 446 (April 5, 2017) and in Episode 667 (August 25, 2021).

Aviation News

Allied Pilots Association Delivers Scathing Ultimatum to American Management

In a letter to the American Airlines Group Board of Directors, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) Board of Directors says, “Our airline is on an underperforming path and has failed to define an identity or a strategy to correct course” and “…it is the result of persistent patterns of operational, cultural, and strategic shortcomings.”

“For more than a year, APA has voiced concerns regarding management’s ability to turn the corner. Management has been given repeated opportunities to articulate a credible strategy and demonstrate measurable improvement. Those opportunities have passed without meaningful change. Despite repeated assurances, the operation continues to struggle under predictable stressors, exposing systemic weaknesses in preparation, execution, and decision making. These consequences are shouldered by our customers and employees every day. “

“These failures have negatively impacted the financial performance of our company and frustrated all stakeholders, to include shareholders, for far too long.”

“American is no longer best in class financially, operationally, or in customer service. The pilots of American want our company to win and dominate the competition, not just survive and compete. Our careers are intrinsically tied to the fate and performance of this once-great airline.”

The Allied Pilots Association (APA) is the collective bargaining agent for American Airlines (AA) pilots. Founded in 1963 and representing more than 16,000 pilots, the APA says it is the world’s largest independent pilots’ union.

“Shame On You”: American Airlines Flight Attendants Call for Shareholder Coup to Oust CEO

Unlike the APA, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) is calling for American Airlines’ chief executive, Robert Isom, to step down. In an internal memo addressed to Isom, APFA Chicago O’Hare base president Justin Patterson says, “I would like to say, sleeping on floors is NOT normal. Shame on you for trying to normalize this inhumane treatment. Doing the same thing on repeat and expecting different results [is] the definition of insanity.”

Patterson asks, “Do you intend on running this airline with piss poor planning and posting minuscule profits again in 2026?” And “This company failed more than just the Flight Attendants… they failed everyone who works here. American Airlines failed our shareholders. They were derelict in their duties to our shareholders.”

APFA is the official crew union that represents more than 28,000 AA flight attendants.

Passengers Left Stunned By Miniature Tray Tables on American Airlines New Long-Haul A321XLR

American Airlines flight attendant Heather Poole has posted on X photos of the new Economy cabin tray tables. Table depth is half what you’d normally expect from a tray table. A standard laptop will overhang the smaller tables, and the standard AA long-haul meal tray will as well. The table does not fold out or extend.

Pressure mounts on American Airlines CEO as carrier lags rivals

In 2025, Delta Air Lines posted $5 billion in net income with a 7.9% profit margin. United Airlines posted $3.3 billion in net income with a 5.7% margin. American Airlines made $111 million last year with a 0.2% margin.

AOPA’s Hiring a Crisis Communications Firm

AOPA’s board has reportedly hired a crisis‑management firm on a $250,000 retainer to handle intense backlash over the abrupt departure of CEO Darren Pleasance on February 4, 2026.

Off-Duty FAA Inspector Claims He Got Lifetime Ban from United After He Pointed Out Alleged Safety Concerns

Paul Asmus said that after a May 2022 flight where he pointed out his safety concerns, United removed him from the flight and gave him a lifetime travel ban. Asmus is suing United for $12.75 million in damages. The civil suit claims loss of wages, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Asmus, an FAA Inspector but off-duty, claims that he noticed a “torn seat-back pocket at his assigned seat,” which “impaired the ability to secure and access the emergency briefing card” and a passenger standing in the aisle while the aircraft pushed back from the gate. Asmus believed that he had an obligation to report the violations he observed and took photographs for an FAA report.

Audit Initiated of Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy

The U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General announced the initiation of an audit. The Memorandum, Audit Announcement | Air Traffic Controller Training at the FAA Academy [PDF] (Project ID 26A3002A000), dated February 5, 2025, states that:

“…the Academy is facing considerable challenges with training, including a shortage of qualified instructors, training capacity limitations, an outdated curriculum, and high training failure rates. Given the importance of increasing the number of certified controllers to safely manage the NAS, we are initiating this audit. The audit objectives will be to assess (1) FAA’s efforts to address the Academy instructor shortages, training limitations, and trainee failure rates and (2) the Academy’s progress with updating the air traffic controller training program curriculum.”

The OIG plans to begin the audit “in the coming weeks.”

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) works within the Department of Transportation (DOT) to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of DOT programs and operations and to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.

See the OIG Active Audits list.

Mentioned

Stories About Flying podcast from Rob Mark.

Aviation is an industry brimming with adventure and discovery at every turn. Award‑winning aviation journalist and Airplane Geeks co‑host Rob Mark invites listeners to enjoy captivating stories from a lifetime of aviation. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience flying for airlines, corporate and charter operations, and teaching as a flight instructor, Rob also reflects on his early days as an FAA and U.S. Air Force tower and radar controller. Along the way, he’ll share remarkable stories from fellow aviators and respected podcasters who bring their own perspectives to the fascinating world of flight.

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

851 Supersonic Flight Ban

We speak with the Chief Pilot for a large European carrier about taking delivery of his airline’s first A321XLR, and with a fractional ownership pilot about changing from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300. In the news, we look at lifting the supersonic flight ban, revamping the Army flight school, denying an unleaded avgas motion, reforming flight delay compensation, and considering the Fire Boss air tractor for fighting wildfires

Guests

Captain Al Evan is the Chief Pilot for a large European low-cost carrier. He was the Airbus and Pratt & Whitney liaison for the delivery of his airline’s first P&W-powered A321XLR.

Stephen Ivey is a pilot for a large fractional ownership company. He recently changed from the Phenom to the Challenger Global 300.

Aviation News

U.S. Lifts 50-Year Ban on Supersonic Overland Flights

Supersonic flight by civilian aircraft over the U.S. was originally banned in 1973 due to concerns about sonic boom noise pollution and potential damage on the ground. However, on June 6, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the FAA to repeal the ban and replace it with an interim noise-based certification standard.

The Order instructs the FAA Administrator to establish a standard for supersonic aircraft noise certification that considers community acceptability, economic reasonableness, and technological feasibility.

Army revamps flight school after deadly crashes

The U.S. Army is overhauling pilot training to focus on fundamental skills. The change in 2013 from TH-67 training aircraft to the LUH-72A Lakota helicopters contributed to the need for training adjustments. The Army determined that the quick advancement of inexperienced crews was leading to unsafe situations. The Army is considering outsourcing pilot training to a contractor-owned-and-operated schoolhouse.

Judge Denies G100UL Motion

A California judge ruled that GAMI’s G100UL is not “commercially available” and therefore cannot be mandated for sale in California to replace leaded aviation fuel. This comes after a motion by the Center for Environmental Health to enforce a 2014 consent agreement that says FBOs and distributors must sell a lower lead alternative that is “commercially available.” The judge ruled that the fuel must first be universally available to all piston-powered aircraft. There must be a “general consensus” from the industry and potential customers that the fuel is safe and appropriate for their use.

Europe Flight Delay Compensation Reform Coming, And It’s Bad News

The European Union’s flight delay compensation policy EC261 (sometimes called EU261), has been unchanged since 2014. Some EU transport ministers have been discussing reforms where passengers would have to experience longer delays before being eligible for compensation.

Currently, compensation ranges from €250 to €600:

€250 compensation if you’re delayed by at least two hours for flights under 1,500km (930 miles).
€400 compensation if you’re delayed by at least three hours for flights of 1,500-3,500km (930-2,200 miles).
€600 compensation if you’re delayed by at least four hours for flights over 3,500km (2,200 miles).

A new proposal would:

Provide €300 compensation if you’re delayed at least four hours for flights under 3,500 km.
Provide €500 compensation if you’re delayed at least six hours for flights over 3,500 km.

See DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard.

What is a Fire Boss? The agriculture aircraft that doubles as a water bomber

Dave Frisch, the president of Portage Aircraft Specialties Ltd., sells Air Tractors designed for agricultural spraying. He says that if you add specially designed floats, these aircraft become a type of water bomber known as the Fire Boss. Being a small aircraft, the Fire Boss can scoop water out of smaller bodies of water and get into tighter spaces.

Video: Calls to use Fire Boss to battle wildfires

Mentioned

Spike Aerospace

Innovations in Flight

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, and Max Trescott.

825 Contrails

A contrails study by GE Aviation and NASA, an F-15E Strike Eagle downs drones, Iberia’s new A321XLR in service, the Phillippine Mars moves to its final destination, an airliner and a UAP come close together, Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy, and the environmental impact of private jets. Also, AvGeeks flock to Bluesky, a STEM author at the NASM, and F-35B trials on a Japanese flattop.

The contrails of an Airbus A340 jet, over London, England. Photographed by Adrian Pingstone in March 2007 and placed in the public domain. — The contrails of an Airbus A340 jet, over London, England. Photographed by Adrian Pingstone in March 2007.

Aviation News

GE and NASA to accelerate understanding of contrails

The “Contrail Optical Depth Experiment” (CODEX) is a research project conducted through a NASA and GE Aerospace partnership to study the formation and behavior of contrails. Contrails are clouds of ice particles that airplanes can create when they fly through cold and humid air. Persistent contrails are thought to contribute to climate warming. The primary goal of CODEX is to accurately measure the optical depth of contrails, which indicates how much light is blocked by the contrail.

In the project, a GE Boeing 747-400 creates the contrails and NASA’s G-III research aircraft (a modified Gulfstream III business jet) follows and scans the 747’s wake with Advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to analyze the contrails produced by different engine configurations. This will hopefully lead to the development of engine technologies that reduce contrail formation.

NASA Gulfstream G-III

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, operates the Gulfstream G-III aircraft, NASA tail number 804, as an aerodynamics research test bed. Work with the aircraft is funded through NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) as part of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) project under the agency’s Integrated Systems Research Program.

GE 747-400 Flying Test Bed

Since 2010, this former Japan Airlines plane has been used by GE to test new jet engines, such as the GE90, GEnx, LEAP, and the GE9X. The plane is based at Flight Test Operations (FTO) in Victorville.

F-15E Pilot Recounts Having To Switch To Guns After Missiles Ran Dry During Iranian Drone Barrage

An F-15E Strike Eagle shot down so many Iranian drones aimed at Israel that they ran out of air-to-air missiles. The crew was ordered to continue and use any weapon available, which left the Strike Eagle’s 20mm Gatling Gun, capable of firing around 6,000 rounds per minute. Operating this gun is said to be risky with small, low, slow-moving targets. In this instance, the F-15 did not stop the drone.

Feel Sorry For the Flight Attendants: Iberia’s New A321XLR Long-Haul Jet Features Tiny Galleys That Even Contortionists Would Struggle to Work in

Iberia is the launch customer of the Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) single-aisle jet. The airline is flying the plane on a Madrid and Boston route. According to Saffran, the Airbus SpaceFlex V2 galley and lavatory allows for 6 more seats in the A321.

The Airbus Space-Flex galley and lavatory concept.

Airbus says the A321XLR features a 4,700 nm range, 180-220 seats, and 30% lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation aircraft. The plane was launched in 2019 at the Paris Air Show. Compared to other A320 family aircraft, the A321XLR carries more fuel, has strengthened landing gear, and includes a revised wing trailing-edge flap for takeoff performance. Airbus offers two engine options: the CFM LEAP-1A and the Pratt & Whitney PW1100G.

The first A321XLR was delivered to Iberia on 30 October 2024 and conducted its first revenue flight on 6 November 2024. The first long-haul flight with passengers was on 14 November 2024, from Madrid to Boston.

Martin Mars To Visit San Francisco, San Diego On Final Flight

The Philippine Mars is destined for the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. In preparation, the plane is undergoing taxi tests in Port Alberni, British Columbia. It will be flown to a lake near Phoenix and partially dismantled so it can be trucked to the Pima Museum.

Hawaii Mars was flown to the British Columbia Aviation Museum in Victoria, B.C., last August. (Covered in Airplane Geeks #813.) The 16-foot props were removed from Hawaii Mars and installed on Philippine Mars for its flight.

Video: Final preps underway for Philippine Mars’ final flight

US Airlines Plane Narrowly Avoids Collision with UFO Near New York, Prompting Increased Scrutiny of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena and Aviation Safety Concerns

The U.S. government released information on 757 reported Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) cases between May 2023 and June 2024. One case involved a near miss between a commercial airline flight and a “cylindrical object” over the Atlantic Ocean. This occurred just off the coast of New York and was classed as a “possible flight safety issue.” The airline and time of the encounter have not been made public.

UAP sightings are investigated by the Pentagon’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). Of the 757 UAP reports worldwide that AARO analyzed nearly 300 were resolved. This often related to balloons, birds, drones, and even satellites. Other sightings remain unexplained.

Spirit Airlines Files for Bankruptcy; Lost $2.2 Billion in 5 Years

Spirit Airlines, Inc. announced that it has entered into a restructuring support agreement supported by a supermajority of Spirit’s loyalty and convertible bondholders on the terms of a comprehensive balance sheet restructuring. Spirit expects the restructuring to reduce the company’s debt and provide increased financial flexibility.

Spirit says it will continue operating normally throughout the Chapter 11 process. Customers can continue to book and fly without interruption and can use all tickets, credits, and loyalty points as normal. According to the Airline, employee wages and benefits will not be impacted. Vendors, aircraft lessors, and holders of secured aircraft indebtedness will continue to be paid.

Spirit Airlines Press release: Spirit Airlines Announces Comprehensive Agreement to Deleverage Balance Sheet and Position the Company for Long-Term Success as a Leading Low-Fare Carrier

NBAA Fact Checks Misleading Report on Business Aviation Sustainability

On November 7, 2024, the journal Communications Earth & Environment published a study titled Private aviation is making a growing contribution to climate change. The abstract says, in part:

“Commercial aviation’s contribution to climate change is growing, but the global role of private aviation is not well quantified. Here we calculate the sector’s CO2 emissions, using flight tracker data from the ADS-B Exchange platform for the period 2019 to 2023. Flight times for 25,993 private aircraft and 18,655,789 individual flights in 2019-2023 are linked to 72 aircraft models and their average fuel consumption. We find that private aviation contributed at least 15.6 Mt CO2 in direct emissions in 2023, or about 3.6 t CO2 per flight… Emissions increased by 46% between 2019-2023, with industry expectations of continued strong growth. Regulation is needed to address the sector’s growing climate impact.”

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has challenged the report for “selectively using data, making statements based on faulty analysis and ignoring facts to produce a one-sided set of conclusions about sustainability and business aviation – an industry that is on pace to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

The Need for Presque Isle’s New Airport Terminal

The terminal project is for an airport with only one flight per day, which is Essential Air Service (EAS) only.

Mentioned

Understanding Takeoff Calculations on Jetwhine.com.

Ladybug Launch. Author Melissa Trempe will be at the National Air & Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA noon to 2:00 on Nov 29, 2024. Ladybug Launch is inspired by the true story of young girls who devised an experiment that NASA took to the Space Station. The book is a great STEM story for youngsters, girls especially, but boys as well. The book is available for sale in the museum shop.

Modified Japanese carrier completes F-35B trials off Southern California

Hosts this Episode

Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Max Trescott, Rob Mark, and David Vanderhoof.

808 Commercial Market Outlook

Boeing’s commercial market outlook, the AirVenture and Farnborough air shows, Airbus’ A321XLR certification, funding for FAA infrastructure, Embraer’s Eve flying taxi prototype, JetBlue’s unpaid leave offer to flight attendants, and first officers decline to upgrade to captain.

Aviation News

Boeing Forecasts Demand for Nearly 44,000 New Airplanes Through 2043 as Air Travel Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels

Boeing released its Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) for 2024-2043, including an interactive dashboard.

CMO forecast highlights through 2043:

The global commercial fleet is projected to grow 3.2% annually.
The air cargo fleet will increase by two-thirds by 2043, to support 4.1% annual air cargo traffic growth.
The number of global routes served by commercial airlines has returned to 2019 levels, even though nearly 20% of them are new, illustrating the adaptability of aviation in a dynamic market.
Single-aisle airplanes will make up 71% of the 2043 fleet.
The global widebody fleet will more than double, with twin-aisles comprising 44% of the Middle East fleet.

It’s Opening Week for Two of the World’s Largest Airshows

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is July 22 – July 28, 2024. EAA has about 300,000 members worldwide. AirVenture sees more than 500,000 attendees over the week-long event they call The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration®.

The Farnborough International Airshow is held every two years, alternating with the Paris Air Show. This year Farnborough is July 22 – July 26, 2024, and targets the global aerospace industry. See Farnborough Air Show 2024 – Preview from the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Airbus A321XLR Receives EASA Type Certification

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued Type Certification for the Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. Airbus has a backlog of over 500 single-aisle A321XLR orders. Iberia is the launch customer and EIS is expected in November 2024. Airbus also has orders from Qantas, Icelandair, and IAG Group. Certification for the Pratt & Whitney GTF variant is to come next.

Groups Push Lawmakers To Up FAA’s ATC Equipment Budget

Twenty-six industry associations sent a letter to the Appropriations Committees, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee asking for more ATC modernization funding. The associations represent business and general aviation, airlines, air traffic controllers and specialists, pilots and flight attendants, and manufacturers.

The groups note an uncommitted balance in the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF) that could be used for the FAA’s Facilities and Equipment (F&E) account. “We… believe more must be done to not only maintain and sustain the ATC system but also to modernize it.” The Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF), also known as the Aviation Trust Fund, was established in 1970 to help finance the FAA’s investments in the airport and airway system, independent of the General Fund.

Embraer’s Eve rolls out flying taxi prototype, cash needs covered until 2027

Embraer subsidiary Eve Air Mobility revealed their full-scale eVTOL prototype. The fixed-wing aircraft uses eight propellers for vertical flight and an electric pusher motor. The first prototype does not have a cabin or pilot. The final aircraft will seat four passengers and a pilot.

Eve was founded in 2020 and plans to obtain certification and enter service in 2026. Five conforming prototypes are planned for 2025. The company says they have letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs that seat four passengers and a pilot. Investors include United Airlines, BAE Systems, Thales, and Rolls-Royce.

Eve eVTOL protype on the tarmac. — Eve eVTOL protype.

JetBlue to Offer Six Months of Unpaid Leave to Flight Attendants, Trim Number of Crew Members On Transatlantic Flights

A Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) memo says JetBlue is taking steps to reduce costs. Flight attendants should expect “significantly reduced” flying schedules during the October to March winter season and more time sitting on reserve, although they can take unpaid leave of absence. The memo also says that JetBlue plans to reduce the number of flight attendants working on transatlantic flights from the current five to just four for “the foreseeable future”. JetBlue plans to disable the privacy doors in its Mint Business Class on some planes and thus reduce the number of flight attendants required on these planes.

Pilots are ditching top captain jobs in favor of $200,000 second-in-command gigs with better work-life balance, JetBlue founder says

JetBlue founder and founder-CEO of Breeze Airways David Neeleman says there are many pilots, but they don’t all want the workload and stress of a captain. Neeleman said, “First officer pay has gone up so much that a lot of these people don’t want to upgrade to captain because it affects their quality of life.” American’s pilots union said that in 2023, 7,000 pilots declined promotions to captain.